Different routes to... : the Midweek Project of the year 2 class

Abstract

The study focuses on defining the Midweek Project and how it can be implemented as a learning tool in the classroom. In addition it includes the teachers' perspectives towards the Midweek Project, its educational importance and how it can be integrated with other subjects. Imagination and creativity are significant contributors to this project, hence they are studied in detail to be able to put them into practice. Constraints that can hinder creativity are also considered. Research has taken place during the scholastic year 2001/2002. Interviews are conducted with five Year 2 teachers from five different state schools. Questionnaires are carried out with five pupils from each respective class. Five classroom observations, one from each school, during the Wednesday afternoons have given more certain results. Results show that pupils enjoy arts and crafts activities and they also report that they would like to have a wider variety of activities. All the teachers have a positive reaction towards the M.W.P. since they look at it as something beneficial. The results obtained help the authors to compile a Booklet with ideas and suggestions for the teacher.